Wilma Dawne Cuddihy Jamieson was born in Woodend, Australia, on February 27, 1936, to proud parents William Cuddihy and Marjorie Rosevear Cuddihy. Wilma died of complications from Parkinson’s on July 25, 2024.
Wilma grew up the eldest of four children in Elwood, Australia. She adored her brothers, Max and Ian, and her sister, Dorothy.
After graduating from The Royal Melbourne School of Nursing in 1956 and taking several specialty courses, Wilma and two of her nursing friends decided to see what the world had to offer. They bravely set off on a two-year adventure, working in different locations around the world to earn enough money for their ticket to the next place. Luckily, the first stop was in Edmonton, Canada. Wilma was invited to a Halloween party and informed it was a dress-up party. She wore her party dress and ended up chatting to a young Scotsman dressed as a convict. The rest, as they say, is history.
Norrie (Norm) migrated to Australia, and they were married on August 14, 1964, in Melbourne, Australia. They moved to Troy, New York, in 1966 and then to New Jersey, where their daughter Anne was born in 1971. A year later, following Norrie’s journey with Mallinckrodt, they moved to St. Louis, eventually settling in their home in Webster Acres for 45 years.
Wilma’s nursing career included working in the ER, labor and delivery, and later, working with high-risk moms and babies, ending up managing the South County Clinic for the St. Louis County Department of Health. Caregiving was in her nature, as was seen by the meals she cooked and the people she visited, giving the invaluable gift of time to all she met.
In 2003 another adventure began when she became “Nan” to her favorite grandchild, Eddie. She was there for every milestone, game, and activity and later ensured any dress shirts for dances were freshly pressed!
Wilma was the consummate cheerleader. She stood at more finish lines of races for Norrie and Eddie than can be counted.
Wilma loved her family back home and relished the name “Auntie Wilma.” Visits and calls with them remained a highlight. Over the years, she made many people feel like family. She was a mom figure to many, offering comfort and support.
She will live on through her husband of nearly 60 years, Norrie, daughter Anne, and grandson Eddie. She is also survived by her brothers, Max (Elaine) and Ian, and sister, Dorothy, loving nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
A celebration of life will be held at the Ethical Society of St. Louis on Sunday August 4 at 3:00 PM.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Michael J. Fox Foundation or a charity of your choice. Thank you for being a part of her life and ours.
I
Norrie, Anne & Eddie – My life was made better by getting to know your beloved wife, mother and grandmother. My deepest condolences to all of you.
Sincerely,
Mary Ann Tipton
Anne, Eddie and Family;
What a beautiful tribute to an amazing woman. I know you will forever cherish the wonderful memories. May you find peace and comfort together. You are a very loved family.
I didn’t know Wilma was a nurse. That explains everything. She was such a caring person!! All of my love to Norm and family; I know you miss her so much.
I remember the Jamison’s from when I was the Leader of the Society. Wilma was always welcoming and caring towards people and she was an example and loving member. My best to Norm and the family during this time of grief and may solace come to them as they live with memories of her.